Press release (September 18, 2009)

The Concept Plan represents the results of the Smart Growth on the Ground process in Prince George, BC. It captures the vision and ideas that were developed by a team of experts and stakeholders during a four-day charrette. This vision was crafted through the lens of the eight SGOG Principles, and the priorities and targets that were generated at five public meetings.

The Concept Plan establishes a shared vision for a vibrant and sustainable downtown. This vision and the detailed ideas that are proposed in this document should be used to inform any deliberation, planning, policy-making, or development activity that occurs within the project area. Similarly, planning decisions that occur beyond the project area should be weighed by their potential effect on the successful realization of this vision. This includes planning decisions affecting the entire City, particularly in neighbourhoods adjacent to the downtown, and growth management policies.

The framing principles, process, and concepts that are embodied in this document are recommended as a resource to any local government in British Columbia and Western Canada.

This plan is not a regulatory document. In its current form it does not replace or supersede any City bylaw, and the concepts presented here do not necessarily harmonize with current policy. It is the intent of this project that the proposed vision and ideas in this Concept Plan will be included in any future policies or policy amendments. The drawings, maps and photographs included in this plan are illustrative in nature and should not be construed to in any way prohibit development opportunities that are otherwise consistent with the downtown vision, principles, and key concepts articulated in this plan.

This document marks the completion of the Concept Plan, but the beginning of the work.